Self-wringing sponge mop



Aug. 28, 1962 P. A. MORGAN 3,050,761

SELF-WRINGING SPONGE MOP Filed June 15, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet l 1962 P. A. MORGAN 3,050,761

SELF-WRINGING SPONGE MOP Filed June 15, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 28, 1962 P. A. MORGAN 3,050,761

SELF-WRINGING SPONGE MOP Filed June 15, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 z gfcmd w w jowmgwww E M llnited This invention relates to a folding sponge mop of the self-wringing type, and is particularly concerned with a mop having means for squeezing the mop element, or sponge, along a line extending longitudinally thereof.

The novel structure hereinafter described improves the eiiiciency of both the mopping and wringing operations, and also simplifies the assembly of the mop. in the mop constructed in accordance with the present invention a pair of mop plates are pivotally secured to a hinge member. A wringing lever is pivotally secured to the hinge member and one of the mop plates, and a mop handle is pivotally secured to the hinge member and the other mop plate. The wringing lever is resiliently engageable with the mop handle to hold the mop plate to which it is pivotally secured in coplanar relationship to the mop plate to which the mop handle is pivotally secured.

The hinge member and the socket for holding the mop handle have cooperating stop means to limit the pivotal movement of one mop plate relative to the hinge member to insure proper folding of the mop element along its longitudinal center so that the entire sponge is squeezed uniformly during the wringing action. The lower end of the socket is cut at an angle and engages thetop of the mop plate to which it is pivotally secured, to maintain a predetermined angularity between the mop handle and said mop plate when the mop is in mopping position.

The structure by means of which the above-mentioned and other advantages of the invention are attained will be fully described in the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, showing a preferred illustrative embodiment of the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view or" a mop embodying the invention, showing the mop in mopping postion;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the mop;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional View, taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the mop holder with the mop element removed;

PEG. 5 is a cross sectional view, taken along the line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the mop in partially folded position, showing the engagement of the stop members on the hinge member and on the socket for the mop handle;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the mop in the wringing position;

FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view of the backing plate;

FIG. 9 is a detail perspective view of the canvas sheet that is cemented to the top of the mop element;

FIG. 10 is a detail perspective view of the stiffening plates, showing the resilient clips secured thereto;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the stiffening plate, showing the slots for receiving the base of the resilient clip;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the resilient clip and the mop plate in separated position;

FIG. 13 is a crosssectional view, taken along the line 1313 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross sectional view, taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

In the drawings, the reference numerals 2 and 3 indicate a pair of mop plates that are duplicates. Plates 2 tates Patent @2 and 3 each have a depending flange 4 extending around its entire perimeter except for a gap 5 (seen in FIGS. 1 and 4) provided in the inner longitudinal edge for a purpose hereinafter described. Each mop plate has a top wall 6 the inner longitudinal edge portion of which is inclined upwardly, as indicated at 7 in FIG. 1. A slot 3 (seen in FIG. 4) extends transversely inwardly of each top wall 6 in alignment with each edge of gap 5.

The inner longitudinal edge of each mop plate 2 and 3 is provided with a rectangular recess 9, the ends of which are spaced equally from slots 8. Slots 8, which are of uniform length, extend rearwardly beyond the rear edge of recesses 9. A narrow strip 14} between each slot 8 and the adjacent end of recess 9 is curled upwardly to form an integral hinge lug 11. Each hinge lug is in axial alignment with the other hinge lug on the same mop plate. I

A hinge member 1'2 is pivotally connected to each mop plate in a manner hereinafter described. Hinge member 12 comprises a top wall 13 sloping downwardly from its rear edge so that its front edge 14 abuts top wall 6 of the front mop plate when the mop is in its mopping position, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. The hinge member has two depending side walls "15 and :1 depending back wall 16. Each side wall is provided with a circular aperture 17 adjacent its rear edge and a similar aperture 13 adjacent its front edge. Each aperture 17 is in axial ali nment with the other aperture 17, and each aperture 18 is in axial alignment with the other aperture '18.

A wringing lever 19 is pivotally secured'to hinge mem ber 12. Lever 19 comprises a unitary length of resilient wire bent to provide longitudinal portions 20 which are approximately parallel and are spaced apart a distance approrimately equal to the diameter of the mop handle. As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate portion of wringing lever 19 is bowed inwardly slightly, as indicated at 21, to form a restricted section for a purpose hereinafter disclosed. The lower ends of lever 19 are bent outwardly, as indicated at 22, to clear the sides of binge member 12, and are then bent inwardly at right angles to provide spaced end portions 24 in axial alignment with each other. The end portions 24 are inserted through apertures 18 and into hinge lugs 11 of mop plate 2 to pivotally secure mop plate 2, hinge member 12, and wringing lever 19 together. As best seen in FIG. 5, the lower portions of lever 19, just above spaced end portions 24, press down against the rear edge of front mop plate 2, at flange 4, to hold that plate in coplanar relationship with rear mop plate 3.

A socket 25, comprising a metal sheet bent into substantially tubular form, is mounted on a rivet 26 that extends through apertures 17 of hinge member 12. Socket 25 may be pivoted on rivet 26 or may be rigidly secured to the rivet with the rivet rotatably mounted in apertures 17. Socket 25 is provided with indention threads 27 to receive the threaded lower end of a mop handle 28. The lower end 29 of socket 25 is out at an angle and abuts top wall 6 of mop plate 3. The abutment of lower end 29 with the top wall of mop plate 3 maintains a predetermined angnlarity between mop handle 28 and the mopping element, hereinafter described, when the mop is in mopping position.

When the mop is in mopping position, wringing lever 19 is snapped into engagement with mop handle 28. The restricted section of the wringing lever is slightly narrower than the diameter of the mop handle, andthe resilience of the wringing lever causes it to fit snugly against the mop handle. When the restricted section of the wringing lever is engaged with the mop handle it holds mop plate 2, to which it is pivotally secured, in coplanar relationship with mop plate 3. Back wall 16 of hinge mem- 'ber 12 is cut away to provide a recess 3t that allows clearance for the loweren d of socket which extends through i the mop handle and socket 25 are moved pivotally about rivet 26, stop member 31 engages one edge of stop member 32 in predetermined position. The engagement of the two stop members prevents further pivotal movement of mop handle '28 and mop plate 3 relative to hinge member 12 while mop plate 2 is moved about its pivot 11 to complete the squeezing or wringing operation, hereinafter described.

The mop includes a mop element 33, preferably in the form of a plurality of sponge sections 34, 35 and 36, although it is obvious that a single sponge may be used if desired. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a conventional cellulose sponge 34 comprises about two thirds of the mop element. The other third of the mop element, which comprises the rear portion of the mop element, consists of a section 35 of cellulose sponge at its top, and a section 36 of polyurethane sponge at its bottom.

Y The outer surface of the polyurethane spcngesection is rougher than the surface of the cellulose sponge section. When the mop is wiped across a surface to be mopped, the rough outer surface of the polyurethane provides a'scrubbing action which combines with the smooth mopping action of cellulose sponge section 34 to produce a cleaner surface than is normally produced by the mopping action alone.

Although the surface of the polyurethane sponge section is rougher than that of the cellulose sponge, the polyurethane section is not as firm in its structure as the cellulose sponge section. When the mop element is compressed by the pressure exerted against it in mopping a floor or other surface, or by the pressure of the wringing action, the polyurethane sponge section will not tend to retain its original thickness to the same extent as does a quantity of cellulose sponge.

Cellulose sponge section provides a cushioning force for polyurethane sponge section 36 and tends to keep the bottom surface of the polyurethane sponge section in its original position flush with the bottom of sponge section 34 during use.

The top of mop element 33 is provided with a stifiening plate 37 adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof. The stiffening plates are spaced from the longitudinal center of the mop element so that they do not interfere with the folding action of the mop element during the wringing operation. ening plates is located under one of the mop plates. The outer longitudinal edge of each stifiening plate has a flange 38 extending into the mop element to improve the securement of the stiflening plates to the mop element, and also to increase the rigidity of the stifiening plates.

A sheet 39 of canvas or similar material is cemented to the top surfaces of the stiffening plates and to the surface of the mop element adjacent the stiffening plates to hold the stiifening plates against displacement relative to the mop element. The canvas is cut away along substantial portions of its longitudinal center, as indicated at 4%, FIG. 9, so that it will not impair the folding of the mop element along its longitudinal center during the wringing operation. If desired, two separate canvas strips may be used, one over each stifiening plate and the contiguous surface area of the mop element. 1

A resilient clip 41 is secured to each stiffening plate 37 adjacent each end thereof. As shown in FIG. 12, each clip 41 comprises a single strip of spring steel or other resilient material folded at its transverse center to form a closed top 42. The sides of the clipare spaced apart a short distance and are each bent inwardly to form an external shoulder 43 intermediate their height. The sides are inclined from the shoulder to the top of the clip to provide a wedge-shaped upper portion that facilitates the When the mop is assembled, each of the stiff- Each stiffening plate 37 is provided adjacent each end with a pair of rectangular openings 46 spaced from each other by a Web 47. The bottom portion of the clip is inserted in openings 46 and pressed together to. engage the edges of Web 47 with horizontal sections 44 and flanges 45. Flanges may be welded or otherwise secured to W6b'47 to rigidly secure the clip perpendicularto the stiffening plate with shoulders 43 spaced a predetermined distance above the stifiening plate. Sheet 39 is provided with an aperture 48 large enough to pass over each clip 41 so that it may be cemented flat against the stiflening. plates and the contiguous areas'of the mop element.

A backing plate 49, preferably polyethylene, is positioned ontop of canvas 39. As shown in FIG. 8, backing plate 49 is provided with a slot 50 adapted to register with each clip 41. Slots 50 are narrower than the lateral distance between shoulders 43 so that the sides of clips 41 are compressed toward each other when backing plate 49 is pressed down on the clips. When the backing plate moves past the shoulder of each clip the sides of that clip snap outwardly, and each shoulder overlies a portion of plate "49 contiguous to one of the slots, to hold the backing plate against accidental displacement. When backing plate 49 is secured in place, the shoulders 43 of each clip 41 are spaced above the upper surface of the backing plate a distance suflicient to permit securement of the mop element to mop plates 2 and 3. Backing plate 49 is provided with a centrally disposed opening 51 having a width slightly greater than the width of hinge member 12. The edges of opening 51 are in registration with the ends of gaps 5 in mop plates 2 and 3 when the mop is assembled.

Mop plates 2 and 3 are each provided adjacent each end with apair of integral depending lips 52, as shown in FIG. 12. The edges of each pair of lips 52 are spaced apart to form a gap 53 of slightly less width and the distance between shoulders 43 of each clip 41. Each gap 53 is adapted to register with a clip 41. When the mop is to be assembled, the mopping element is positioned with v a clip 41 in registration with each gap 53 and is snapped into place. -Lips 52 are stiff enough to force the sides of clip 41 inwardly, and when shoulders 43 move past the ends of lips 52 the resilience of the clip moves the shoulders outwardly to their normal position. Although the mop element may be readily removed by forcing shoulders 43 of each clip past the ends of lips 52, it is securely held against accidental displacement.

Wringing lever 19 engages socket 25 to hold mop plates 2 and 3 in coplanar relationship when the mop is in position for use. In this position the lower surface of sponge section 36 is flush with the lower surface of sponge section 34. The rough surface of sponge section 36 scrubs the surface that is being mopped by sponge section 34. In order to wring the mop, lever 19 is grasped in one hand and forced away from socket 25 and then moved downwardly around the front of the mopping element. Mop handle 28 is grasped in the other hand and swung downwardly and rearwardly of the mopping element, thereby folding the mopping element along its longitudinal center, as indicated in FIG. 6.

Each gap 5 provided in flange 4 straddles both-side V walls 15 of binge member 12 to avoid any interference with the folding action of mop plates 2 and 3. Opening 51 in backing plate 49 also straddles both side walls 15 I so that the lower edges of the side walls do not engage the surface of the backing plate and chew it up during the folding action.

In the position shown in FIG. 6, stop members 31 and 32 are in engagement, and the mop handle cannot be moved pivotally with respect to hinge member 12.

"Mop handle 28 is held in one hand and lower end 29 of socket 25 abuts mop plate 3 to hold it firm. The result is that the front and rear walls of the sponge element will be substantially flush, as shown in FIG. 7, when they reach the final wringing position. Continued pivotal movement of lever 19 beyond the position shown in FIG. 6 forces mop plate 2 towards mop plate 3 to exert pressure through both stifiening plates 37 to mopping element 33 which is squeezed between the stiffening plates to complete the wringing operation.

Although I have described a preferred embodiment of the invention in considerable detail, it will be understood that the description is intended to be illustrative, rather than restrictive, as many details may be modified or changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, restriction to the exact structure described is not desired.

I claim:

'1. A sponge mop holder comprising a pair of mop plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship, a hinge member pivotally connected to each of said mop plates, a wringing lever pivotally connected to said hinge memher and a first mop plate, a socket, a mop handle having one end secured to said socket, said socket being pivotally connected to said hinge member and said second mop plate, whereby said wringing lever is operable to move said first mop plate pivotally relative to said hinge member and said second mop plate, and said mop handle is operable to move said second mop plate pivotally relative to said hinge member and said first mop plate, and cooperating stop means on said socket and said hinge member to limit the pivotal movement of said second mop plate relative to said hinge member.

2. A sponge mop holder comprising a pair of mop plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship, a hinge member pivotally connected to each or said mop plates, a wringing lever pivotally connected to said hinge member and one of said mop plates, said one mop plate having a front edge and a rear edge, a socket adapted to hold a mop handle, said socket being connected to said hinge member and said other mop plate, and a mop handle secured to said socket, said wringing lever being resiliently engageable with said mop handle, the lower portion of said wringing lever pressing down against the rear edge of said one mop plate when thus engaged with said mop handle, whereby said mop plates are held in coplanar relationship when the lever and mop handle are engaged, thelower end of said socket being cut at an angle to engage the top surface of said second mentioned mop plate to hold said mop handle at a predetermined angle to said mop plates when said mop plates are held in coplanar relationship.

3. A sponge mop comprising a pair of mop plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship, each of said plates having an inner longitudinal edge with a hinge-receiving gap in the plate located midway along said edge; a sponge block secured to said mop plates, said block having a longitudinal axis located midway between its longitudinal edges; a rigid hinge member pivotally connected to each of said mop plates, the axis of each such pivotal connection lying outwardly of the longitudinal axis of the sponge block and outwardly of the inner edge of the respective mop plate, with the hinge member positioned directly above the aforesaid hinge-receiving gap in the inner longtudinal edge of each of said plates; a wringing lever pivotally connected to one of said mop plates; and a socket adapted to hold a mop handle, said socket being connected to the other of said mop plates.

4. A sponge mop comprising a pair of mop plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship, each of said plates having an inner longitudinal edge with a hinge-receiving gap in the plate located midway along said edge and a further recess in the plate at either end of said gap; a sponge block secured to said mop plates, said block having gap in the plate located midway along a longitudinal axis located midway between its longitudinal edges; a hinge member having a downwardly extending flange on its two side edges and being pivotally connected to each of said mop plates, the axis of each such pivotal connection lying outwardly of the longitudinal axis or the sponge block and outwardly of the inner edge of the respective mop plates, with the hinge member positioned above the aforesaid hinge-receiving gap in the inner longitudinal edge of each of said plates; and said side flanges of the hinge member being positioned directly above said recesses in the mop plates; a wringing lever pivotally connected to one of said mop plates; and a socket adapted to hold a mop handle, said socket being connected to the other of said mop plates.

'5. A sponge mop comprising a pair of mop plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship, each of said plates having an inner longitudinal edge with a hingereceiving gap in the plate located midway along said edge; a sponge block secured to said mop plates, said block having a longitudinal axis located midway between its longitudinal edges; a hinge member pivotally connected to each of said mop plates, the axis of each such pivotal connection lying outwardly of the longitudinal axis of the sponge block and outwardly of the inner edge of the res ective mop plate, with the hinge member positioned above the aforesaid hinge-receiving gap in the inner longitudinal edge of each of said plates; a wringing lever pivotally connected to said hinge member and one of said mop plates, said lever being formed of wire, with its two free ends acting as the pivot pins for the pivotal connection of the lever and hinge member to said mop plate; and a socket adapted to hold a mop handle, said socket being connected to the other of said mop plates.

6. A sponge mop comprising a pair of mop plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship, each of said plates having an inner longitudinal edge with a hinge-receiving gap in the plate located midway along said edge; a sponge block secured to said mop plates, said block having a longitudinal axis located midway between its longitudinal edges; a hinge member pivotally connected to each of said mop plates, the axis of each such pivotal connection lying outwardly of the longitudinal axis of the sponge block and outwardly of the inner edge of the respective mop plate, with the hinge positioned above the aforesaid hinge-receiving gap in the inner longitudinal edge of each of said plates; a wringing lever pivotally connected to one or" said mop plates; a socket adapted -to hold a mop handle, said socket being connected to the other of said mop plates; and cooperating stop means on said socket and said hinge member to limit the pivotal movement of said hinge member relative to said other mop plate.

7. A sponge mop comprising a pair of mop plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship, each of said plates having an inner longitudinal edge with a hinge-receiving said edge and a further recess in the plate at either end of said gap; a sponge block secured to said mop plates, said block having a longitudinal axis located midway between its longitudinal edges; a hinge member having a downwardly extending flange on its two side edges and being pivotally connected to each of. said mop plates,'the axis of each such pivotal connection lying outwardly of the longitudinal axis of the sponge block and outwardly of the inner edge ofthe respective mop plate, with the hinge member positioned above the aforesaid hinge-receiving gap in the inner longitudinal edge of each of said plates; and said side flanges of the hinge member being positioned directly above said recesses in the mop plates; a wringing lever pivotally connected to said hinge member and one of said mop plates, said lever being formed of wire, with its two free ends acting as the pivot pins for the pivotal connection of the lever and hinge member to said mop plate; a socket adapted to hold a mop handle, said socket being connected to the other of said mop plates; and cooperating stop means on said socket and said hinge member to limit the pivotal movement of said hinge I tnember relative to said other mop plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Kroll Aug. 28, 1933 Jelenfy June 16, 1936 B-ag-ley Apr. 24, 1951 Channel May 11, 1954 

